Play The Great War: 1914-1918 Online

The Great War: 1914-1918 is a turn-based strategy game released for MS-DOS in 1993. Developed by Blue Byte Studio GmbH and published by Strategic Simulations, Inc., it simulates historical battles from World War I. The game presents its maps and units from a top-down perspective, focusing on tactical engagements between German and French forces.

Players command military units across a series of maps, with the core objective being to defeat the opposing side's forces. The game utilizes a simultaneous turn system where both players issue orders at the same time on a split screen; one player can move units while the other can order attacks, and these roles alternate. Combat results are shown in optional animated sequences. Progression is structured through 48 single-player maps, divided evenly between German and French campaigns, and 24 additional maps designed for two players. Each new map is unlocked by completing the previous one and entering an access code. Key gameplay systems include terrain consideration, which affects unit performance, and unit experience, where causing damage improves a unit's accuracy and combat strength. Different unit types possess distinct weapon and movement ranges, and the introduction of air and naval units occurs as the campaign advances. Players manage logistics by using depots on the map to repair damaged units and factories to produce new ones, while seasonal changes dynamically alter terrain conditions and affect battles.

The game incorporates historical context through informational segments. After completing a mission, players are presented with historical facts and black-and-white photographs depicting a two-month period of the war. Technical specifications and pictures of military units are also displayed during gameplay, providing details about the equipment and events of World War I.